Where to watch the best 4th of July fireworks in California

Americans are in high spirits as they anticipate the 4th of July celebrations with picnics, parades, neighborhood festivals and spectacular fireworks shows.

It’s also important to keep in mind that this 4th of July week will be scorching hot. Expect temperatures to reach triple digits in California and take safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities during the heat wave.

If you’re beach-bound, wearing sunscreen is a must. Also, expect crowds, high tides and big waves this week.

A quick heads up: This year’s Independence Day holiday falls on a Thursday, so check the event dates as some are happening before and after the 4th.

Best 4th of July fireworks in Southern California

Riverside County 

• Riverside Fireworks at Calvary Presbyterian Church
  July 4 | 4495 Magnolia Ave |  6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Savor good eats from food trucks while watching a sky filled with sparkles. Enjoy free snow cones, giveaways and face painting. 

Note: Alcohol is prohibited.

• Moreno Valley Fireworks at Civic Center Amphitheater
  14075 Frederick St | Parade: 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Family Fun Fest: 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Fireworks: 9 p.m.

Take note that attendance is limited. 

• Corona Fireworks at Santana Park
  598 Santana Way | Parade: 9 a.m. | Evening Events: 5 p.m. | Fireworks: After dark

Your family and friends will enjoy music, food and fireworks. 

• Temecula fireworks
  Ronald Reagan Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Rd | Parade: 10 a.m. | Festivities: 2 p.m. | Fireworks: 9 p.m.

CRC pool opens at 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. All entertainment is free, except for vendors.

Los Angeles County 

• Alhambra fireworks
  July 4 | 800 S. Almansor St | Fireworks: 9 p.m.  

Gates will open at 4 p.m. 

• Burbank event at Lockheed View Dr
  July 4 |1249 Lockheed View Dr |  Parking: 4:30 p.m. | Gates to open at 5:30 p.m. 

Watch the show featuring Billy Nation and Mirage at 6:30 p.m.

• Culver City drone show
  July 5 | Town Plaza, 9300 Culver Blvd. | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Downtown LA Grand Park’s celebration
  July 4 | 200 N. Grand Ave Celebration starts from 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Delve into fun activities, sports, games and live music, and watch the sky lit up with a drone show.

Beachside fireworks

• Santa Monica parade
  July 4 | Parade starts at Pico and Main Street 9:30 a.m.

It will continue south on Main Street and end at Barnard Way.

• Long Beach 4th of July fireworks
  July 4 | 1126 Queens Hwy | Gates will open at 3 p.m. 

One of the best fireworks will illuminate the sky at 9 p.m.as you revel in the spectacle while on water. There would be DJs, live music and kid’s zone for your little tots. 

• Marina Del Rey
  July 4 |Burton Chace Park Fisherman’s Village, 13650 Mindanao Way | 9 p.m.

Parking fee costs $11 – $20.

San Bernardino County

• Rialto July 4th events at Jerry Eaves Park
  July 4 | 1485 N. Ayala Dr | 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Expect a spectacle of the best fireworks, music, live band, giveaways and food vendors.

Ventura County

• Ventura 4th of July family picnic

          July 4 | Ventura College Athletic Fields | Gates will open at 5 p.m.   while fireworks will ascend at 9:30 p.m.

Bring the family for a fun-filled picnic under the fireworks in the lush lawn of Ventura College. There’s live music, food vendors and a fun zone for the kids. Feel free to bring your picnic mats and blankets.

4th of July events in Northern California

Whether it be an air show, a parade or a drone show, enjoy this day off from work with the events in Northern California — and of course, the fireworks.

San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf
July 4 | 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy the show from the two barges at the Bay —PIER 39 or Aquatic Park. Your whole family will have fun at the neighborhood activities and dining. Plus, retail stores will be open.

You may also like: Here are 10 must-try Filipino eats in SF Peninsula

Central Valley 

• Modesto Fireworks at John Thurman Field
  July 3 | Fireworks will come after the Modesto Nuts vs. Fresno Grizzlies game.

Independence Day Parade will grace the streets on July 4 in Downtown Modesto.

Sacramento and Stockton fireworks and parade

• Stockton’s annual parade
  July 4 | Expect the fireworks after 9:30 p.m.

There’s food, music, shopping and more for a night of celebration.

• Elk Grove’s fireworks
  July 4 | Festivities will kickstart at 5 p.m. while the fireworks display is at 9:40 p.m.

High Sierra 

• South Lake Tahoe 4th of July events
• July 3-4

What better way to enjoy an airshow and fireworks display than on the lake? Enjoy parades and a sky full of illuminating vibrancy.

• Fairfield’s “An American Journey” Parade
  July 4 | Parade starts at 10 a.m.

Planning to stay home this 4th of July? We got you.

If you’re feeling under the weather or just wanted to chill at home during your day off from work, tune in to PBS for “A Capitol Fourth” with Smokey Robinson, Darren Criss and Sheila E. — a musical extravaganza featuring the National Symphony Orchestra.

Or, you can watch the “Sphere Fourth of July Celebration” live from Las Vegas at 11:40 p.m. Catch it on “XO Stream’s” website and YouTube channel.

Whether you’re joining the crowds or celebrating with family and friends, or simply staying at home, make July 4th a day to remember. Happy Independence Day!